Delivering Reliable Communication Solutions in Remote Mining Camps with AST Networks

Our client operates a semi-permanent camp for mining services, accommodating up to 120 staff, and situated in extremely remote locations. The camp relocates every six months and requires constant communication solutions that are easily deployable and packable. The primary requirement was to establish voice and data services over VSAT and cellular communication bearers, with a focus on serving both business services for onsite office staff, plus crew welfare across the whole camp.

The Challenges The project encountered several challenges, firstly the remote location of the camp presented significant difficulties in establishing a dependable communication infrastructure, and secondly, the frequent camp relocation demanded solutions that could swiftly be setup and dismantled to accommodate mobility.

Catering to the diverse bandwidth needs of the workforce, all with varying requirements for internet access, also added complexities to the task. Typically, these sites are a great distance from the nearest cellular tower, resulting in extremely limited cellular coverage.

The Solution AST Networks provided a comprehensive communication solution tailored to the specific needs of the mining camp. This included a turn-key solution comprising hardware, software, and support services. Deployable VSAT technology facilitates quick setup and pack-up of communication services, which ensured we had made considerations for the adaptability of the camps mobility needs during relocations.

For staff at the site office, LinkBox with Wi-Fi was employed to guarantee priority voice and data services during daytime operations hours. A Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Mesh Network was implemented across the camp to extend coverage for general staff, with infinite scalability options. We devised tailored web and application filtering solutions to segregate requirements between general and office staff, alongside bandwidth control, and time-of-day policies for equitable resource distribution.

Our solution also supports seamless voice communication through Wi-Fi calling on iOS and Android devices, complimented by installing Cisco IP Handsets in the site office, for reliable voice calling. Cellular extenders, with high gain antennas, were also strategically deployed to maximise network coverage, supplemented by the provision of an Inmarsat BGAN Terminal for out-of-band management, ensuring connectivity resilience.

The delivered solution offered numerous benefits to the customer, including ease of deployment which enabled non-technical staff to effortlessly setup and dismantle the infrastructure as and when required. Office staff have been assured uninterrupted service during operational hours, and site wide coverage was guaranteed, providing remote connectivity across the entire camp, optimising productivity, and communication efficiencies.

Conclusion AST Networks addressed the unique challenges faced by this remote mining camp by providing innovative solutions. Our team ensured reliable and efficient communication services, contributing to the smooth functionality of operations in some exceptionally challenging environments.